Catherine “Kate” Toomey died Oct. 11 at home in Boynton Beach at the age of 81 after complications from Parkinson’s disease.
She was an integral part of the Boca Raton community, serving as president of the Boca Raton Historical Society, St. Andrew’s School Parents Association, and the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club Women’s Golf Association. She was also a member of Impact 100 Palm Beach County.
In the early ’80s, she was president of the Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR), helping the organization transition from the Junior Service League. She was nominated for Woman Volunteer of the Year as well.
“The ‘80s were filled with so many things and so many emotions, but it is tough to visualize that decade without Kate right in the middle of it,” JLBR Past President Bitsy Fitzsimmons said in a statement from the organization.
As a part of the Boca Raton Historical Society, Toomey and her husband, Ted, hosted Boca Bacchanal in 2011 and they were awarded the Myrtle Butts Fleming Award, the society’s most prestigious honor.
Kate and Ted Toomey were married in 1967 in Massachusetts, and the couple was joined by their children Kate and Teddy. The family moved to Boca Raton in 1973 and their third child, Mary Glynn, was born. Each summer, the family would return up north to spend time in Cape Cod.
When Toomey wasn’t involved with community endeavors, she was a regular golf and tennis player at Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club, Ocean Reef Club and Hyannisport Club. Her love of golf took her to Ireland and courses across the U.S., and she and her husband also ventured on cruises to Alaska, Italy, Russia, Croatia, and Turkey.
“She and Ted were the ultimate traveling companions,” said her dear friend Ann Rutherford through the JLBR. “One trip we went on with a group from Boca Bacchanal was to Italy, and Kate became friendly with the cook who couldn’t speak a word of English and Kate didn’t know Italian. The two of them had such a bond, even though they only communicated with hand gestures.”
Not only did Toomey give her time, but she also donated her kidney to her college roommate’s daughter in 2005, forever forging their friendship. In 2012, Toomey was diagnosed with breast cancer and was treated at the Lynn Cancer Institute.
“Kate was the ultimate mother—steadfast in her love, faith, and dedication to her children’s growth and experiences,” according to her obituary. “She was a person of devout faith and found comfort in weekly Mass, novenas, the rosary, and prayer.”
A funeral mass was hosted on Oct. 21 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach and she will be buried at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in West Palm Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Toomey’s name to Delray Dunes Foundation, Inc., Friends of the Seminary – St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Trustbridge Hospice Care or Ursuline Academy.
